Is Another Trinamool Office-Bearer Appointed BLO?
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Synopsis
In a troubling trend, a second instance of a Trinamool Congress office-bearer being appointed as a booth-level officer in West Bengal raises serious questions about electoral integrity. With whistleblower Suvendu Adhikari calling for immediate action, the Chief Electoral Officer is under pressure to ensure compliance with election guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress office-bearers are being appointed as BLOs.
- The ECI guidelines prohibit para-teachers from being appointed as BLOs.
- Concerns raised by Suvendu Adhikari highlight potential electoral violations.
- Investigations are underway in both Narayangarh and Diamond Harbour.
- Upholding electoral integrity is crucial for democracy.
Kolkata, Oct 27 (NationPress) A recent case of appointing a Trinamool Congress office-bearer as a booth-level officer (BLO) has emerged in the Narayangarh Assembly Constituency of West Midnapore district, West Bengal, marking the second such incident in just a week.
Last week, the Election Commission of India (ECI) was alerted about the appointment of a local Trinamool Congress president as the BLO for a booth in the Diamond Harbour constituency of South 24 Parganas district.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal has requested the South 24 Parganas District Magistrate, who also serves as the District Election Officer, to investigate the situation regarding the Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency and report back to the CEO’s office in Kolkata without delay.
With a similar case now reported in Narayangarh Assembly Constituency, it is likely that the CEO’s office will request a comparable report from the District Magistrate and District Electoral Officer of West Midnapore, according to an insider.
The whistleblower in both scenarios is the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. On Monday morning, he brought to the ECI's attention the appointment of Suddhadeb Mahapatra, a para-teacher with close ties to the Trinamool Congress, as the BLO for booth number 24, Sandeuli, within the Narayangarh Assembly Constituency.
As Mahapatra is a para-teacher, his selection violates the ECI’s guidelines for BLO appointments, which prohibit para-teachers from being appointed in these roles. Para-teachers are contract-based educators brought in to address gaps in the educational system, particularly in schools facing teacher shortages or located in remote regions.
According to the Commission’s stipulated criteria, priority for BLO selection should be given to permanent state government employees and permanent teachers from state-run schools who receive retirement benefits such as provident fund, pension, and gratuity.
The LoP emphasized that Mahapatra's selection was made despite the eligibility of two permanent primary teachers and two ICDS workers, all of whom should have been considered for the BLO role under the ECI criteria.
“I urge the CEO of West Bengal to promptly address this issue and replace the BLO with a qualified state government employee to maintain the integrity of the electoral process,” Adhikari stated on Monday.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the appointment of Trinamool Congress office-bearers as booth-level officers. This situation highlights the need for strict adherence to election guidelines to maintain the credibility of our electoral system. The call for investigation and accountability is essential for upholding democratic principles.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a booth-level officer (BLO)?
A booth-level officer (BLO) is responsible for overseeing the electoral process at the polling booth level, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on election day.
Why are para-teachers prohibited from being BLOs?
Para-teachers are prohibited from being BLOs to maintain impartiality and ensure that only qualified, permanent state employees are involved in the electoral process.
Who raised concerns about these appointments?
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has raised concerns regarding the appointments of Trinamool Congress office-bearers as BLOs.
What actions are being taken regarding these appointments?
The Chief Electoral Officer has requested investigations into the appointments and is expected to take appropriate actions based on the findings.
How can citizens ensure fair elections?
Citizens can ensure fair elections by staying informed, reporting any irregularities, and actively participating in the electoral process.
